Technologies for sanitizing humidifiers

ABSTRACT

Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing reservoirs of humidifiers are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a sanitization gas system and a connector unit. The connector unit is configured to install into a portion (e.g., wall, bottom, top, or lid) of a reservoir, such as a reservoir of a humidifier. The connector unit includes an inlet passageway for supplying sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the reservoir, and an outlet passageway for removing sanitizing gas from the reservoir. In some embodiments at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. The sanitization gas system may provide a sanitizing gas to the inlet passageway and receive the sanitizing gas from the outlet passageway.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/919,833 filed Mar. 13, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/499,070 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,956,309) filed Apr.27, 2017. The entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to technologies for sanitizinghumidifiers, including but not limited to impeller humidifiers,evaporative humidifiers, ultrasonic humidifiers, wick humidifiers andmist humidifiers. In particular, the present disclosure relates todevices and systems for sanitizing a water reservoir of a humidifier(and optionally any water therein) with a sanitizing gas such as ozone.Methods of sanitizing a humidifier are disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Humidifiers often have one or more reservoirs for holding water. Waterin a reservoir of a humidifier is typically released through one or morevalves to a base tray in smaller quantities, for evaporation andhumidification purposes, resulting in water often sitting in thereservoir and along the base tray of the humidifier.

Various particles of a humidifier may become fouled with bacteria,viruses, mold, and other contaminants over time. For example, manyhumidifiers have a reservoir, one or more base trays, one or more mistchannels, one or more sidewalls and one or more covers. Over time, mold,bacterial, viruses, and other contaminants may build up on suchcomponents, and in particular on components that are subject to elevatedlevels of moisture. Water in a humidifier may also remain stagnant forlong periods (e.g., days) before it is replaced or replenished withfresh water—providing an opportunity for mold and bacterial growththerein.

With the foregoing in mind, it may be desirable to periodically cleancomponents of a humidifier and any water therein, e.g., in an effort toensure that the humidifier is sanitary for use. However, consumers oftendo not adequately clean various components of a humidifier or replenishthe reservoir with fresh water when the water therein has been sittingfor a long period of time. Parts of a humidifier that need cleaning mayalso be hard to reach and, therefore, may be difficult to clean.

The foregoing issues are compounded by the fact that many commonlyrecommended methods for cleaning humidifiers can be messy, timeconsuming, and inconvenient. For example, the user guide of somehumidifiers may recommend cleaning the reservoir and/or other componentsof the machine using a cleaning solution that is a mixture of water andvinegar. Such methods can be inconvenient, as they often require theuser to prepare the cleaning solution themselves. Moreover, such acleaning solution may not effectively kill some types of water born moldand/or bacteria, and therefore may inadequately sanitize the reservoirof a humidifier. Other commonly recommended methods of cleaning ahumidifier include manual washing, scrubbing, and drying of thereservoir, which are often time consuming and considered to beundesirable to consumers.

Accordingly, the inventors have identified that there is a continuedinterest in the development of novel devices, systems, and methods forsanitizing all or a portion of a humidifier, including but not limitedto the water reservoir, sidewalls and base tray of a humidifier and anywater therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made to the following detailed description which shouldbe read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like numeralsrepresent like parts:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating sanitizing gas flow between areservoir sanitization system and a reservoir, consistent with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one example of a reservoir sanitizationsystem consistent the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of one example of a double wallconnector unit consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another example of a double wallconnector unit consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a front view of the double wall connector unit of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the double wall connector unit ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a front view of the double wall connector unit of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is an exploded perspective view of the double wall connectorunit of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4F is a perspective view of a first connector portion consistentwith the present disclosure.

FIG. 4G is a perspective view of a second connector portion consistentwith the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4H and 4I are perspective views of the distal and proximal sidesof an optional locking element consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4J is a perspective view of a third connector portion consistentwith the present disclosure

FIG. 4K is a perspective view of a fourth connector portion consistentwith the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example reservoir sanitization system includingthe double wall connector unit of FIGS. 4A-4K.

FIG. 6A is a perspective exploded view of another double wall connectorunit consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the double wall connector unit of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of example operations of one example of areservoir sanitization method consistent with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As explained in the background, although there are various known methodsfor cleaning humidifiers, such methods are often inconvenient, messy,time-consuming, etc., and therefore may be rarely performed byconsumers. Such methods may also inadequately sanitize a humidifier, andin particular the reservoir thereof and any water therein. The inventorshave therefore identified that there is a need in the art fortechnologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) that enableconvenient, easy and effective sanitization of a humidifier and, inparticular, the reservoir of a humidifier and any water therein.

With the foregoing in mind, aspects of the present disclosure relate todevices, systems and methods that utilize a sanitizing gas (e.g. ozone)to sanitize all or a portion of a humidifier, such as but not limited toa reservoir thereof. As will be described in detail later, the devices,systems and methods of the present disclosure are particularly usefulfor sanitizing the reservoir of a humidifier, including the bottom trayand sidewalls thereof. The technologies described herein are not limitedto such applications, however, and can be utilized to sanitize a type ofreservoir.

Although the technologies described herein can be used with manysanitizing gases, the present disclosure focuses on the use of ozone asa sanitizing gas. This is because ozone (O₃) gas is an effectivesanitizer, yet is relatively safe for consumer use. Indeed because ofits strongly oxidizing properties, ozone can effectively kill orotherwise remove a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants suchas yeasts, bacteria, molds, viruses, other pathogens, and/or pollutantswith which it comes into contact, e.g., via oxidation. Yet naturallyover time and/or as it oxidizes contaminants, ozone may be chemicallyreduced to oxygen (O₂), which is safe for human consumption and forrelease into the environment. Ozone is also relatively easy to generateon site (and thus does not require the use of a storage tank) and leaveslittle or no chemical residue. For those and other reasons, ozone hasbeen identified as a safe and effective sanitizing gas for use in thepresent disclosure. It should be understood, however, that thetechnologies described herein are not limited to the use of ozone andmay be employed with a wide variety of sanitizing gases.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to technologies (e.g., devices,systems, and methods) for sanitizing all or a portion of a reservoir,such as but not limited to a liquid reservoir. For the sake ofillustration, the present disclosure focuses on embodiments in which thetechnologies described herein are employed to sanitize a water reservoirof a humidifier. It should be understood that such examples are for thesake of illustration only, and that the technologies described hereinmay be used to sanitize a wide variety of reservoirs that may be used inapplications other than a humidifier.

As used herein, the term “humidifier” refers to any of a wide variety ofdevices that are used to add moisture to air.

As used herein, the term “fluidly coupled” means that two or morecomponents are connected to one another such that a gas may be conveyedbetween them. In contrast, the term “coupled” when used alone means thattwo or more components are connected to one another chemically (e.g.,via an adhesive), mechanically (e.g., via fasteners, mechanicalinterference, etc.), or by other means.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to systems for sanitizing areservoir, e.g., of a humidifier. As will be described further below,the systems described herein generally include a gas supply system, aconnector unit, and an exhaust system. The connector unit includes aninlet passageway and an outlet passageway, wherein the inlet passagewayhas a first proximal end and a first distal end, and the outletpassageway includes a second proximal end and a second distal end. Theconnector unit is configured to be installed within a portion of areservoir, such as but not limited to a wall, cover, or bottom thereof.When so installed, the connector unit spans through a thickness of theportion of the reservoir, such that the first and second distal ends arewithin an interior of the reservoir, and the first and second proximalends are outside the reservoir.

In embodiments, at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposedradially around the inlet passageway. The gas supply system isconfigured to generate a sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) and to fluidlycouple to the first proximal end, such that sanitizing gas is conveyedthrough the inlet passageway into an interior of the reservoir. Theexhaust system is configured to couple to the second proximal end, andto draw sanitizing gas (e.g. ozone) from the interior of the reservoirthrough the outlet passageway via the second distal end. In embodiments,the exhaust system includes a filter for converting or destroying thesanitizing gas removed from the interior of the reservoir.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating sanitizing gas flow between areservoir sanitization system consistent with the present disclosure anda reservoir. As shown, the reservoir sanitization system 100 includes asanitizing gas system 101 and a connector unit 103. The sanitizing gassystem 101 is fluidly coupled to the connector unit 103 such that it canprovide a gas inflow (gas in) to the connector unit 103 and receive agas outflow (gas out) from the connector unit 103. The connector unit103 is fluidly coupled to a reservoir 105 including a liquid (e.g.,water) 107. As shown, the sanitizing gas system 101 may supply an inflowof sanitizing gas (gas in) such as ozone to the connector unit 103. Theinflow of sanitizing gas passes through the connector unit 103 into thereservoir 105. More particularly, in embodiments the inflow ofsanitizing gas is conveyed from the connector unit 103 to beneath asurface of the liquid 107 in the reservoir 107, as shown in FIG. 1.

At least a portion of the sanitizing gas supplied by the gas inflow maysanitize the liquid 107, as well as portions of the reservoir that arebelow the level of the liquid 107. In addition, at least a portion ofthe sanitizing gas supplied by the gas inflow may evolve from the liquidinto the air 108 within the reservoir 105 and sanitize the portion ofthe reservoir 105 that is above the level of the liquid 107. Excesssanitizing gas within the reservoir 105 may be converted to anothercomposition and/or be removed from the interior of the reservoir 105 viaa gas outflow (gas out) through connector unit 103. More specifically,excess sanitizing gas may be conveyed via the gas outflow through theconnector unit 103 and back to the sanitization gas system 101, asshown. In embodiments, the sanitizing gas system may be configured toremove the sanitizing gas and/or convert the excess sanitizing gas toanother composition.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one example of a reservoir sanitizationsystem 200 consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, thereservoir sanitization system includes a sanitizing gas system 101 thatis fluidly coupled to a connector unit 103′. In this embodiment, thesanitizing gas system 101 includes a gas supply 201 including a pump 202and a gas generator 203. The gas generator 203 is configured to generatea sanitizing gas, such as ozone or another sanitizing gas. The pump 202(e.g., an air pump) is configured to generate a flow of air to conveythe sanitizing gas to a proximal end 211 of supply line 209.

The connector unit 103′ includes an inlet passageway 215 and an outletpassageway 221, wherein the inlet passageway includes first proximal anddistal ends, and the outlet passageway includes second proximal anddistal ends. The connector unit 103′ is generally configured to beinstalled within a portion of a reservoir, such as but not limited to awall, bottom, top, or cover of a reservoir of a humidifier. When soinstalled, the connector unit 103′ may span through a thickness of aportion of a reservoir, such that the first and second distal ends (ofthe inlet and outlet passageways 215, 221 respectively) are disposedwithin the interior of the reservoir, whereas the first and secondproximal ends (of the inlet and outlet passageways) are disposed outsidethe reservoir.

That concept is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, which illustrates theconnector unit 103′ as being installed within a wall 251 of a reservoir250, such that the distal ends (not labeled) of the inlet and outletpassageways 215, 221 are disposed within an interior of a reservoir 250,and the proximal ends (not labeled) of the inlet and outlet passageways(215, 221) are disposed outside the wall 251. As further shown, thereservoir may further include a bottom 253 and a cover 255, either ofwhich may be acceptable locations for the installation of connector unit103′.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the sanitizing gas system (and, moreparticularly, the gas supply 201) is fluidly coupled to the connectorunit 103′ and/or the interior of the reservoir 250 via a supply line209. In some embodiments the supply line 209 is configured to passthrough the inlet passageway 215, such that a distal end 213 of thesupply line is disposed within the interior of the reservoir 250. Insome embodiments and as shown in FIG. 2, the distal end 213 may belocated below a surface 217 of any liquid 107 that may be within thereservoir 250.

Alternatively, in some embodiments first and second supply lines 209′,209″ may be used instead of a single supply line 209. In such instances,the first supply line 209′ may fluidly couple gas supply 201 with thefirst proximal end of the inlet passageway 215, and a proximal end ofthe second supply line 209″ may be fluidly coupled to the first distalend of the inlet passageway 215. Coupling of the first and second supplylines 209′, 209″ to the inlet passageway 215 may be facilitated byoptional first and second inlet connectors 241, 243, which are integralwith or otherwise fluidly coupled to the first proximal and distal endsof the inlet passageway 215.

An optional check valve 231 may be provided on a distal portion ofsupply line 209 or on second supply line 209″. When used, the optionalcheck valve is generally configured to prevent a backflow of liquid 107into the supply line 209 (or first and second supply lines 209′, 209″).An optional sensor 233 may also be provided to sense a presence and/orconcentration of sanitizing gas (e.g. ozone gas) within the interior ofreservoir 250 and/or within connector unit 103′. In some embodiments thesensor 233 (when used) may be configure to provide a signal to a userinterface, wherein the signal causes the user interface to indicatewhether or not a safe level of the sanitizing gas is present in thereservoir 250, and/or to indicate when a humidifier including thereservoir is safe to use.

The sanitizing gas system 101 further includes an exhaust system 207,which is fluidly coupled to a proximal end 224 of the outlet passageway221 in the connector unit 103′, in this case via a return line 225. Theexhaust system includes a pump 205 and a filter 229. As shown, thereturn line 225 includes a proximal end 226 fluidly coupled to theexhaust system 207 (or, more particularly, to pump 205), and a distalend 227 coupled to the proximal end 224 of the outlet passageway 221.Coupling of the distal end 227 of the return line 225 to the proximalend of the outlet passageway 221 may be facilitated by an optionaloutlet connector 245 that is integral with or otherwise fluidly coupledto the proximal end of the outlet passageway 221.

In operation, gas generator 203 may generate a sanitizing gas 219 (e.g.,ozone). Pump 202 (e.g., an air pump) may generate a flow of air toconvey a sanitizing gas 219 into the supply line 209 (or first supplyline 209′, when used). In instances where a single supply line 209 isused, the sanitizing gas may 219 may flow through the supply line 209such that it passes through the inlet passageway 215 and into theinterior of the reservoir 250. Alternatively, where first and secondsupply lines 209′, 209″ are used, the sanitizing gas 219 may flowthrough the first supply line 209′, into the inlet passageway 215, andthen into the second supply line 209″. In either case, the sanitizinggas 219 may exit the distal end 213 of the supply line 209 (or secondsupply line 209″).

When the distal end 213 is disposed beneath a surface 217 of a liquid107 within the reservoir 250, the sanitizing gas 219 may be introducedinto liquid 107. In such instances a portion of the sanitizing gas 219may sanitize the liquid 107 and the portions of reservoir 250 that arebelow surface 217. In addition, at least a portion of the sanitizing gas219 may evolve from the liquid 107 into the air 220 within the reservoir250, whereupon the sanitizing gas 219 may sanitize the air 220 and theinterior surfaces of the walls 251 and cover 255 Likewise, in instanceswhere the distal end 213 is be disposed above surface 217, and/or noliquid 107 may be present within reservoir 250, the sanitizing gas 219may sanitizing the air and exposed surfaces of the walls 251, cover 255,and bottom 253.

During the sanitization of reservoir 250, all or a portion of thesanitizing gas 219 may be converted to another composition. For example,in instances where the sanitizing gas is ozone, all or a portion of theozone may be converted to oxygen during the sanitization of thereservoir 250. However, excess sanitizing gas 219 may be present withinthe air 220 and may need to be removed in order for the reservoir to besafely used. In that regard, pump 205 (e.g., a vacuum pump) may beconfigured to draw excess sanitizing gas 219 from the air 220 into thedistal end 223, through the outlet passageway 221, and through thereturn line 114. In that regard, the distal end 223 may be or include anopening that is fluidly coupled to (or configured to be fluidly coupledto) the interior of the reservoir 250. Sanitizing gas 219 removed fromthe interior of the reservoir 250 by the pump 205 may be conveyed to thefilter 229.

The filter 229 may be configured to remove all or a portion of thesanitizing gas 219 conveyed thereto. For example, filter 229 may beconfigured to absorb at least a portion of the sanitizing gas 219.Alternatively, or additionally, the filter 229 may be configured toconvert the sanitizing gas to another composition, such as a compositionthat is acceptable for human inhalation and/or exhaust into theenvironment. In instances where the sanitizing gas 219 is ozone, forexample, the filter 229 may be configured to convert all or a portion ofthe sanitizing gas to oxygen. Non-limiting examples of suitable filtersthat may be used as filter 229 include activated carbon filters,magnesium oxide filters, combinations thereof, and the like.

For the sake of clarity and ease of understanding, it is noted that FIG.2 depicts a reservoir 250 in combination with the reservoir sanitizationsystem 200, but it should be understood that the reservoir sanitizationsystems described herein need not include the reservoir. Indeed, thesystems described herein may be used with any suitable reservoir and arenot limited to use with reservoirs consistent with those illustrated inthe figures.

It is noted that FIG. 2 depicts the use of a connector unit 103′ thatincludes inlet and outlet passageways 215/211 that are laterally offsetfrom one another. It should be understood that such illustration is forthe sake of example only, and that other connector units may be used inthe technologies of the present disclosure. Indeed, as will be describedlater in connection with FIGS. 3-6B, the technologies described hereinmay include and/or utilize a connector unit that includes an inletpassageway and an outlet passageway, wherein at least a portion of theoutlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. Forease of reference, such connector units may be referred to herein as a“double wall connector unit.”

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a cross sectional diagram ofone example of a double wall connector unit consistent with the presentdisclosure. As shown, double wall connector unit 300 includes an outerwall 301 and an inner wall 313, both of which are tubular or cylindricalin shape. An inlet passageway 315 is defined in the inner wall 313 andextends from a first inlet connector 317 to a second inlet connector319. The outer wall 301 includes an inner surface 303 and the inner wall313 has an outer surface 314. An outlet passageway 305 is definedbetween the inner surface 303 and the outer surface 314. Thus, at leasta portion of the outlet passageway 305 is disposed radially around theinlet passageway 315.

The outlet passageway extends from an opening 307 at a distal endthereof to an outlet connector 311, which is disposed near a proximalend of the connector unit 300. In some embodiments, optional spacerelements 325 may be disposed between the inner wall 313 and the outerwall 301. When used, the optional spacer elements 325 may be configuredto maintain a gap forming a portion of the outlet passageway between theinner wall 313 and the outer 301.

The double wall connector unit 300 further includes a flange 321 andcoupling elements 323. In general, the coupling elements 323 areconfigured to facilitate the installation of the double wall connectorunit 300 into a portion of a reservoir. To illustrate that concept, FIG.3 depicts double wall connector unit as installed into a wall 251 of areservoir. In the illustrated embodiment, coupling elements 323 areconfigured as teeth, threads, or other mechanical coupling elements thatengage with an inward facing surface of an opening (not shown) in thewall 251.

In some embodiments, the coupling elements 323 may be self-tappingthreads that are configured to form and threadably engage with threadsin an inward facing surface of the wall 251 or another portion of areservoir. For example, following the provision of an unthreaded pilothole in wall 251, distal end of the double wall connector unit 300 maybe inserted into the pilot hole. During such insertion, the double wallconnector unit 300 may be rotated about an axis extending through andparallel with the inlet passageway 317. During such rotation thecoupling elements 323 (e.g., self-tapping threads) may engage the inwardfacing surface of the pilot hole and form corresponding threads thereinas the double wall connector unit 300 is advanced therein. Advancementof the double wall connector unit 300 may continue until a distalsurface of the flange 321 contacts a portion of the wall 251 about thehole, at which time the double wall connector unit 300 may be consideredto be in an installed position.

Of course, use of self-tapping threads and an unthreaded pilot hole isnot required. For example, in some embodiments a pre-threaded pilot holemay be provisioned in wall 251. In such instances, the distal end of thedouble wall connector unit 300 may be inserted in the pre-threaded hole.The double wall connector unit may then be rotated to threadably engagethe coupling elements 323 with the threads of the pre-threaded hole, soas to advance the distal end of the double wall connector unit 300 untilthe distal surface of the flange 321 contacts a portion of the wall 251about the pre-threaded hole.

While the embodiment of FIG. 3 is useful (particularly in instanceswhere a double wall connector unit is to be installed by a manufacturerof a reservoir, consumers may be unable to provide a pilot hole in areservoir, or may find it inconvenient to do so. Accordingly, connectorunits that are capable of forming their own hole in a portion of areservoir own may be desired. Such connector units may be referred toherein as a “self-drilling connector unit.” It is noted that the term“self-drilling” is used herein to refer to the general capability of aconnector unit to form a hole in a portion (e.g., wall, bottom, top, orlid) of a reservoir, but is not used to limit the manner in which thathole is formed. Thus while in some embodiments the self-drillingconnector units described herein may be configured to form a hole in areservoir by “drilling,” they are not limited to such modalities. Forexample, the self-drilling connector units may be configured to form ahole in a reservoir by cutting, drilling, punching, coring, combinationsthereof, and the like.

FIGS. 4A-4K depict various views of one example of a self-drillingdouble wall connector unit 400 (hereinafter, connector unit 400)consistent with the present disclosure, as well as components thereof.As best shown in FIG. 4E, connector unit 400 includes a first connectorportion 401, a second connector portion 403, a third connector portion405, a fourth connector portion 407, and an optional locking element409. As will be described in detail below such components of connectorunit 400 are configured to provide an inlet passageway for the provisionof a sanitizing gas into a reservoir, and an outlet passageway for theremoval of the sanitizing gas from the reservoir. In addition, theconnector unit 400 is configured such that it forms, duringinstallation, a hole in a portion of a reservoir.

As best shown in FIG. 4F, the first connector portion 401 includes afirst (e.g., tubular, circular or cylindrical) body 415 having aproximal end P1 and a distal end D1. An opening 417 is defined at leastin part by an inner surface 419 of a wall of the first body 415 andextends from the proximal end P1 to the distal end D1. In general, thefirst connector portion 401 is configured to couple or be coupled to awall (e.g., wall 251) or another portion of a reservoir, e.g., via anadhesive, tape, mechanical fasteners, or some other means (not shown).

In some embodiments the first connector portion 401 includes an inwardfacing surface 421 and an outward facing surface 423. The inward facingsurface 421 is configured to face toward a portion of a reservoir, suchas but not limited to wall 251 when the first connector portion 401 iscoupled thereto. In contrast, the outward facing surface 423 isconfigured to face away from the (e.g., wall of) reservoir. Although notshown, the first connector portion 401 may also include a first sealingelement that is configured to be disposed between the inward facingsurface 421 and a wall of a reservoir. When used, the first sealingelement may be configured to form a liquid and/or gas tight seal betweenthe first connector portion 401 and a wall of the reservoir when thefirst connector portion 421 is urged against that wall. One example of asuitable first sealing element is an O-ring seal, which may be at leastpartially disposed within a groove (not shown) in the inward facingsurface 421 of the first connector portion that is formed around theopening 417.

The opening 417 may include first guide elements 425 therein. The firstguide elements 425 are generally configured to guide at least a portionof the second connector portion 403 when it is inserted into the opening417. For example and as shown in FIG. 4F, the first guide elements 425may be internal female threads formed in at least a portion of the innersurface 419. In such instances the first guide elements 425 may beconfigured to threadably couple with corresponding second guide elements439 (e.g., outer male threads) on the second connector portion 403, asbest shown in FIG. 4C. More specifically, the first guide elements 425may be configured to threadably engage second guide elements 439 of thesecond connector portion 403, thereby coupling the first connectorportion 401 to the second connector portion 403 and drawing the secondconnector portion 403 into the opening 417.

As best shown in FIGS. 4A, 4E, and 4G, the second connector portion 403includes a second (e.g., tubular, circular or cylindrical) body 427 thathas a proximal end P2 and a distal end D2. A first passageway 429 isdefined at least in part by an inner surface 429 of a wall 433 of thesecond body 427, and extends from the proximal end P2 to the distal endD2 of the second body 427. Self-drilling elements 435 may be coupled toor integral with at least a portion of the distal end D2/edge of thesecond body 427, as best shown in FIGS. 4A, 4D, 4E, and 4F. For exampleand as best shown in FIG. 4A, the distal end D2 of the second body 427may include a circumferential edge 437 that extends around the distalend D2 of the first passageway 429 (and, hence, outlet passageway 413),wherein self-drilling elements 435 (e.g., cutting/drilling/abradingteeth, blades, surfaces, etc.) may be disposed on or integral with afacing surface of the circumferential edge 437.

At least a portion of the second body 427 is configured to be disposedwithin the opening 417 of the first connector portion 401. In thatregard at least a portion of the opening 417 of the first connectorportion 401 may have an inside diameter ID1 that is larger than anoutside diameter OD2 of at least a portion of the second body 427. As aresult, at least a portion of the second body 427 may be inserted intothe opening 417 of the of the first connector portion 401.

Second guide elements 439 (e.g., male threads) may be disposed on orintegral with a portion of an outer surface of the second body 427. Thesecond guide elements 439 are generally configured to interact with thefirst guide elements 425 of the first connector portion 401, as bestshown in FIG. 4C. In that manner, the first and second guide elements425, 439 may guide and urge the self-drilling elements 435 into contactwith a wall (e.g., wall 251) or another portion of a reservoir.

For example when the first and second guide elements 425, 439 are femaleand male threads, respectively, the second connector portion 403 may beconfigured such that when the distal end D2 is inserted into the opening417 and the second connector portion 403 is rotated, the second guideelements 439 threadably engage with the first guide elements 425 so asto draw the distal end D2 into the opening 417 and ultimately intocontact with a portion (e.g., wall 251) of a reservoir. Further rotationof the second connector portion 403 may cause the self-drilling elements435 to form a hole in a portion (e.g., wall 251) of the reservoir,wherein the hole has an inward facing surface.

Rotation of the second connector portion 403 may also cause the secondguide elements 439 to engage and/or contact at least a portion of theinward facing surface of the hole formed in the reservoir by theself-drilling elements 435. For example, in instances where the secondguide elements 439 are male threads (e.g., self-tapping threads), suchthreads may create corresponding female threads in the inward facingsurface of the hole, e.g., during or after formation of the hole by theself-drilling elements 435.

The second connector portion (and, more particularly, the second guideelements 439) may thus be configured to form and engage withcorresponding threads on the inward facing surface of a hole through awall, bottom, or lid of a reservoir, thereby coupling the secondconnector portion 403 to the reservoir. The second connector portion(and, in particular, the second guide elements 439) may also beconfigured to urge the first connector portion 401 against an outersurface of the reservoir (e.g., an outer surface of wall 251) that isaround the hole.

The second connector portion 403 may also include a handle. The handlemay be configured to help a user to grip and rotate the second connectorportion 403 during its installation into a reservoir. The type andnature of the handle is not limited, provided it can facilitate therotation of the second connector portion 403 about an axis extendingthrough and parallel to the first passageway 429. With that in mind, theembodiment of FIGS. 4A-4K depict one example of a connector unit thatincludes a knurled handle 441 that is integral with or coupled to anintermediate portion of the second body 427, extends around thecircumference of the second body 427, and is located proximal to thesecond guide elements 439.

The use of knurled handle 441 is of course for the sake of example only,and it should be understood that any suitable handle may be used, andthat handle 441 (or another handle) may be positioned at any suitablelocation. Without limitation, in some embodiments the second connectorportion 403 includes a handle that is coupled with or integral to anintermediate portion of second body 427, such that the handle isdisposed outside a reservoir when the second connector portion 403 is inan installed position.

The second connector portion 403 further includes one or more abutmentsurfaces 443. The abutment surface 443 is generally configured to abutagainst a corresponding engagement surface 485 of the fourth connectorelement 407 when the fourth connector element is in an installedposition, as will be further described below. That concept is best shownin FIG. 4C, which depicts abutment surface 443 abutting (e.g.contacting) engagement surface 485 of the fourth connector portion 407when the fourth connector portion is in an installed position.

The second connector portion 403 further includes at least one proximalopening formed in a wall 433 of the second body 427. In general, theproximal opening is configured to fluidly couple to an outlet port, soas to provide at least a portion of the outlet passageway 413 for theremoval of gas (e.g., ozone) from a reservoir. That concept is shown inFIGS. 4C and 4E, which illustrate an embodiment in which a plurality ofproximal openings 445 are formed through the wall 433, wherein at leastone of the proximal openings is in fluid communication with an outletport 457 on the third connector portion 405.

Of course, the connector units described herein may include greater orfewer proximal holes. When more than one proximal hole is used, all orless than all of such proximal holes may be in fluid communication withan outlet port. That concept is shown in FIG. 4G, which depicts fourproximal openings 445 in the second body 427. As shown in FIG. 4C, somethe proximal opening(s) 445 are fluidly coupled to outlet port 457,e.g., via a circumferential gap between an inner surface of the secondbody portion 403 and an outer surface of the third body portion 405.

The location and configuration of the proximal opening(s) formed in thesecond body 427 is not particularly limited, provided that it is (orthey are) positioned such that it remains (or they remain) on theoutside of a reservoir when all elements of the connector unit 400 arein an installed position, and provided that one or more than oneproximal opening is in fluid communication with an outlet port and atleast a portion of an outlet passageway that is present between thesecond connector portion 403 and the fourth connector portion 409. Putin other terms, the second connector portion 403 may include at leastone proximal opening 445 that fluidly couples at least a portion of anoutlet passageway 413 that is present between the second connectorportion and the fourth connector portion to one or more outlet ports.

It is noted that in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4K, outlet port 457 andthe third body 463 are depicted as components that are separate from thesecond connector portion 403. In such instances it should be understoodthat the outlet port 457 and third body 463 may be integral with orcoupled to the third connector portion 405. As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4Efor example, the third connector portion 405 may comprise the third body463 and the outlet port 457. In the illustrated embodiment, the thirdbody 463 has a hollow tubular shape with an inside diameter ID3 that islarger than the outside diameter OD2 of a proximal portion of the secondconnector portion 403.

The third body 463 may thus be configured such that it may slide over aproximal portion of the second connector portion 403, e.g., until adistal facing surface (not labeled) thereof abuts a proximal facingsurface of a portion of the second connector portion, e.g., a proximalfacing surface (not labeled) of handle 441. Put in other terms, thethird body 463 may be in the form of a collar having an outer wall andan opening, wherein the collar is configured to be disposed around aproximal end P2 of the second connector portion 403.

The third body 463 may also include an outlet opening 459 that isfluidly coupled to outlet port 457, which is integral with or coupled tothird body 463 in any suitable manner. As best shown in FIG. 4C, whenthe third connector portion is in an installed position (e.g., afterthird body 463 is slid over a proximal portion of the second connectorportion 403 such that a distal face of the third body 463 abuts aproximal face of the handle 435 of the second connector portion 403),the outlet opening 459 may be aligned with one or more of the proximalopenings 445 in the second body 427.

Alternatively, or additionally, one, more than one, or all of theproximal openings 445 may be in fluid communication with the outlet portopening 459, regardless of whether they are aligned with the outlet portopening or not. In that regard, one or more spacer elements 465 may bedisposed within the opening in the third body 463, e.g., as shown inFIGS. 4E and 4J. The spacer elements 465 may be laterally spaced fromone another and may be generally configured to abut with a portion of anouter surface of the second body 427. In addition, the spacer elements465 may be configured such that a gap is maintained between them, andalso between an inward facing surface 467 of the third body 463 and anoutward facing surface 434 of a proximal portion of the wall 33 of thesecond connector portion 403. Put in other terms, the spacer elements465 may facilitate the maintenance of a circumferential gap between theinward facing surface 467 the outward facing surface 434, wherein thecircumferential gap may form part of the outlet passageway 413 for theremoval of gas (e.g., ozone) from a reservoir.

Although not shown in the figures, in some embodiments the thirdconnector portion 405 may be omitted. In such embodiments the third body463 and outlet port may be integral with or otherwise coupled to secondconnector portion 403 in any suitable manner. For example, the outletport 457 and third body 463 may be mechanically coupled to the secondconnector portion 403, e.g., with one or more adhesives, mechanicalfasteners, welds, interference fittings press fittings, combinationsthereof, and the like. In such instances, one or more spacer elementsmay be disposed between the inward facing surface of the third body 463and the outward facing surface 434 so as to maintain a circumferentialgap between such elements, as previously described. Alternatively, oradditionally, the outlet port 457 and third body may be integral withthe second connector portion 403, in which case they may be configuredto maintain the circumferential gap in any suitable manner.

In some embodiments the connector unit 400 may include an optional firstlocking portion 409. When used, the first locking portion 409 isconfigured to fix (i.e., lock) the position of the first connectorportion 401 relative to the second connector portion 403, e.g., once thesecond connector portion 403 is in an installed position. In addition,in some embodiments the first locking portion 409 may also serve tofurther urge and/or secure the first connector portion 401 againstand/or to an outside surface of the reservoir, such as the outside of awall 251 of a reservoir as shown in FIG. 4C.

FIG. 4E illustrates one example of a connector unit 400 that includes anoptional first locking element 409. In the illustrated embodiment, firstlocking element 409 is in the form of a threaded nut that is includes anopening 469 and threads 471 on an inward facing surface thereof. Thethreads 471 are configured to engage with the second guide elements 439(e.g., threads) on an outer surface of the second body 427. That is,threads 471 may threadably coupled to second guide elements 439. Priorto insertion of the second connector portion 403 into the opening 417,first locking element may be positioned relatively close to the proximalend P2 of the second body. This may be accomplished, for example, byrotating the first locking element 409 relative to the second connectorportion 403 while the threads 471 are engaged with the second guideelements 439.

Following insertion of the second connector portion 403 into the opening417, the second connector portion 403 may be rotated to form a hole in aportion of a reservoir (e.g., wall 251). Subsequently (e.g., when thesecond connector portion is in an installed position), the first lockingelement 409 may be rotated about an axis extending through and parallelto the second body 427, so as to draw the first locking element 409towards the distal end D2 of the second connector portion 403 until asurface of the first locking element 409 is adjacent to and/or incontact with a portion of the outward facing surface 423 of the firstconnector portion 401. Once the first locking element 409 is sopositioned, movement of the first connector portion 401 relative to thesecond connector portion 403 may be hindered and/or prevented. In thatway, first locking element 409 may “lock” the position of the firstconnector portion 401 relative to the second connector portion 403.

FIGS. 4H and 4I show the distal and proximal ends, respectively, of oneexample of a first locking element 409 consistent with the presentdisclosure. As shown, the first locking element 409 may further includea sealing element 410 disposed on or in proximity to the radial edge ofthe distal end of the locking element 409. In general, the sealingmember (e.g., an O-ring) may be configured to facilitate sealing of thedistal end of the locking element 409 against a proximal surface of thefirst connector portion 401, e.g., to form a gas tight seal.

In some embodiments the connector units described herein may includemultiple locking elements. As one example of that concept reference ismade to FIGS. 6A and 6B. Such FIGS. depict a connector unit 400′ that issubstantially similar to connector unit 400, except that it includesboth a first locking element 409 and a second locking element 409′.

Similar to connector unit 400, installation of the connector unit 400′may begin by coupling first connector portion 401 to a portion (e.g.,wall 251) of a reservoir. First locking element 409 may be moved (or mayhave been previously moved) to a proximal position along the outsidesurface of the distal portion of the second connector portion 403, aspreviously described. The distal end D2 of the second connector portion403 may be inserted into an opening in the first connector portion 401,and the second connector portion 403 may be rotated to causeself-drilling elements 435 to form a hole in the (e.g., wall 251) of thereservoir. An optional seal such as a gasket between the first connectorportion 401 and the wall 251 may further seal the connector unit 400 onthe reservoir.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B the second connector portion 403may be configured such that rotation of the second connector portion 403eventually causes the distal end D2 thereof to protrude into thereservoir. To accomplish this, the length of the distal end D2 of thesecond connector portion may be configured such that it is greater thana thickness of the wall, bottom, or lid of a reservoir. That concept isshown in FIG. 6B, which depicts connector unit 400′ as installed througha wall 251 of a reservoir.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B the second locking element 409′ isconfigured in substantially the same manner as the first locking element409. As a result, the second locking element 409′ may include an openinghaving an inward facing surface with threads or other guide elementsthat are configured to engage second guide elements 439.

In instances where the second guide elements (on an outward facingsurface of a wall of the second connector portion 403) are threads, thesecond locking element 409′ may (like the first locking element 409)include corresponding threads. In such instances, the threads of thesecond locking element 409′ may engage with the second guide elements439, such that rotation of the second locking element 409′ draws italong the outside of second body 427, e.g., until the second lockingelement 409′ abuts and/or is in contact with an inward facing surface ofthe reservoir (e.g., and inward facing surface of wall 251. That conceptis shown in FIG. 6B, which shows connector unit 400′ installed in a wall251 of a reservoir, with first and second locking elements 409, 409′disposed on outer and inward facing sides of the wall 251. An optionalsealing element 410 may also be disposed on one side of the secondlocking element 409′ to facilitate the formation of a seal with aninward facing surface of the reservoir, similarly additional lockingelements connected to the second locking element 409′ may be use tofacilitate formation of a seal against the surface of the reservoir,e.g., in the same manner shown in FIG. 4H.

Returning to FIGS. 4A-4K, the connector unit 400 further includes afourth connector portion 407. In general, the fourth connector portion407 is configured to be inserted into or otherwise retained within thesecond connector portion 403, and to provide the inlet passageway 411for the supply of gas (e.g., ozone) into a reservoir. In addition, thefourth connector portion is configured to provide a portion of theoutlet passageway 413 for the removal of gas (e.g., ozone) from thereservoir.

In that regard reference is made to FIG. 4K, which depicts one exampleof a fourth connector portion 407 consistent with the presentdisclosure. As shown, the fourth connector portion includes a third body473 having a proximal end P3 and a distal end D3. A first inletconnector 475 is disposed at the proximal end P3, a second inletconnector 477 is disposed at the distal end D3, and a flange 483 isdisposed near the proximal end P3. As best shown in FIG. 4C, the inletpassageway 411 is formed through the fourth connector portion andextends between first and second inlet connectors 475, 477. Thus, aproximal end 489 of the inlet passageway 411 is present within the firstinlet connector 475, and a distal end 491 of the inlet passageway ispresent within the second inlet connector. As may be appreciated, a gassupply (e.g., ozone device 101), may be coupled to first inlet connector475. In such instances the gas supply may be used to provide gas (e.g.,ozone) to the first inlet connector 475 for conveyance through the inletpassageway 411 and to the second inlet connector 477.

As best shown in FIGS. 4C and 4E, the third body 473 has an outerdiameter OD3 (not labeled) that is smaller than the inner diameter ID2of the proximal portion of the second connector portion 403. As aresult, a distal portion of the third body 473 (e.g., distal of theflange 483) may be inserted into the first passageway 429 of the secondconnector portion 403. The distal portion of the third body 473 may beconfigured such that when it is fully inserted into the first passageway429, the second inlet connector 477 extends past the circumferentialedge 437 of the second connector portion 403. In that position, anengagement surface 485 of the fourth connector portion 407 (e.g., aportion of the flange 483) may abut a corresponding abutment surface 443of the second connector portion 403. In some embodiments, at least aportion of the flange 483 may also abut and/or contact a portion of thethird connector portion 405, e.g., a proximal circumferential edge 468thereof.

As best shown in FIG. 4C when the fourth connector portion 407 is fullyinserted into the first passageway 429, a gap is present between theinner surface 431 of the wall 433 of the second connector portion 403and the outer surface 479 of the third body 473 of the fourth connectorportion 407. That gap forms a portion of an outlet passageway 413 forthe removal of gas from a reservoir.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4K the distal end 493 of the outletpassageway 413 is or includes opening that is present between the outersurface 479 of the third body 473 and the circumferential edge 437 ofthe second connector portion 403, and the proximal end 495 of the outletpassageway 413 is present in the outlet port 457. From the distal end493 the outlet passageway 413 extends, via the gap between the innersurface 431 and the outer surface 479, proximally towards the flange483. Near the flange 483 the outlet passageway extends through one ormore proximal openings 445 in the second connector portion 403 and intothe circumferential gap between the inward facing surface 467 of thethird body 463 and the outward facing surface 434 of the second body427. The outlet passageway 413 then continues via the gap to outletopening 459, which is coupled to outlet port 457.

Accordingly, a gas inflow 497 may be supplied from the first inletconnector 475 to the second inlet connector 477 via the inlet passageway411 and into a reservoir. Similarly, a gas outflow 499 may be drawn froma reservoir into the distal end 493 of the outlet passageway 413, to theproximal end 495 of the outlet passageway, and ultimately out of theconnector unit 400.

To maintain the gap between the inner surface 431 and the outer surface479, in some embodiments the fourth connector portion may include one ormore standoff elements. That concept is shown in FIGS. 4D, 4E, and 4K,which depict fourth connector portion 407 as including a plurality ofstandoff elements 481. As shown, the each of the standoff elements 481extends from an outer surface 479 of the third body 473.

The standoff elements 481 are each configured to partially or fullybridge the gap between the inner surface 431 and outer surface 479 whenthe fourth connector portion 407 is inserted into the first passageway429 of the second connector portion 403. In such instances a channel 482may be present between a respective two of the plurality of standoffelements 481. As shown in FIG. 4E, the fourth connector portion 407 maybe aligned such that when it is inserted into the first passageway 429,at least one proximal opening 445 in the second connector portion 403 isdisposed between two of the standoff elements 481, i.e., such that it isin fluid communication with a channel 488. A gas in gas outflow 499 maythen travel from a channel 488 into a proximal opening 445, into thecircumferential gap (described above) and then into the outlet opening459.

As noted above the fourth connector portion 407 includes a flange 483that abuts at least a portion of the second connector portion 403 whenthe fourth connector portion 407 is fully inserted therein. In someembodiments, the flange 483 may include a plug 488. The plug 488 may behave an outside diameter OD4 (not shown) that is less than the insidediameter ID2 of the proximal end P2 of the second connector portion 403.Thus when the fourth connector portion 407 is fully inserted into thesecond connector portion 403, an outward facing surface of the plug 488may abut and/or contact the inner surface of wall 433, as shown in FIG.4C. In addition, one or more sealing elements 490 (e.g., O-rings,adhesive, polymers, or other sealing elements) may be disposed betweenthe plug 488, flange 483, and the inward facing surface 433, e.g., toprovide a gas-tight seal between such elements.

In some embodiments the fourth connector portion 407 may also includeone or more retention elements. When used, such retention elements maybe configured to facilitate retention of the fourth connector portion407 within the second connector portion 403. More particularly, in someembodiments the retention elements may be configured to hinder orprevent lateral movement of the fourth connector portion 407 once it isfully inserted into the second connector portion 403. Non-limitingexamples of suitable retention elements that may be used includedetents, protuberances, other engagement elements, combinations thereof,and the like. With that in mind, FIGS. 4A-4E, 4K, 6A, and 6B depictembodiments in which the fourth connector portion 407 includes retentionelements in the form of deformable protrusions 487 (e.g., deformablewings).

As will be appreciated from the figures, the deformable protrusions 487may be configured to bend, collapse, or otherwise deform in a firstdirection (e.g., proximally towards first inlet connector 475) from anexpanded position into a compressed position. In the expanded positionthe deformable protrusions 487 may be larger than the inside diameterID2 of the first passageway 429 in the second connector portion 403. Asa result, the deformable protrusions 487 may deform into the compressedposition when the fourth connector portion is inserted and urged intothe first passageway 429.

The deformable protrusions 487 may remain in the collapsed/compressedposition until they are advanced past the distal end of the firstpassageway 429. When the deformable protrusions 487 are advanced pastthe distal end of the first passageway 429, they may return to theexpanded (e.g., decompressed) position. Thereafter, removal of thefourth connector portion 407 from the first passageway 429 may behindered and/or prevented by the deformable protrusions 429. Moreover,the deformable protrusions may resist deformation in a second direction(e.g., distally in a direction towards second inlet connector 477.

FIG. 5 depicts one example of a reservoir sanitization system utilizingthe self-drilling double wall connector unit 400 of FIGS. 4A-4K. Asnature and function of many of the elements of FIG. 5 are the same asthose shown in FIG. 2 and described above, a detailed description ofsuch elements is not provided again for the sake of brevity. As shown,system 500 includes an ozone device 101 and a self-drilling, double wallconnector unit 400, which in this embodiment is depicted as installedwithin a wall 251 of a reservoir 250.

Installation of the connector unit 400 into wall 251 may be accomplishedin any suitable manner. For example and consistent with the foregoingdescription of FIGS. 4A-4K, installation of the connector unit 400 maybegin by coupling a first connector portion 401 thereof to the wall 251(e.g., via an adhesive). A distal end of a second connector portion 403may be inserted into an opening in the first connector portion 401. Thesecond connector portion 403 may then be rotated to advance the distalend thereof through the opening in the first connector portion, untilself-drilling elements on the distal end contact an outer surface of thewall 251. The second connector portion 403 may then continue to berotated to cause the self-drilling elements to form a hole in the wall251. In some embodiments at least a portion of the distal end of thesecond connector portion may be disposed within an interior of thereservoir 250 following the formation of the hole.

After the hole is formed a third connector portion 405 may be disposedover the proximal end second connector portion 403. A fourth connectorportion 407 may then be inserted into a proximal end of a firstpassageway extending through the second connector portion. The fourthconnector portion 407 may include retaining elements that deform from anexpanded to a compressed position while a distal end of the fourthconnector portion 407 is inserted into the first passageway in thesecond connector portion 403. When the fourth connector portion 407 isfully inserted, the retaining elements may return to the expandedposition, hindering or preventing retraction of the fourth connectorportion 407 through the first passageway. A flange on the fourthconnector portion 407 may abut and form a gas tight seal with one ormore portions of the proximal end of the second connector portion 403and the third connector portion 405.

As previously described, an inlet passageway 411 is provisioned in thefourth connector portion and extends between a first inlet connector 475and a second inlet connector 477. In addition, an outlet passageway 413is provisioned as previously described, and extends between a distal endof the second connector portion and an outlet connector 457.

As shown in FIG. 5, sanitizing gas system 101 includes a gas supply 201and an exhaust system 207. The gas supply 201 includes a pump 202 and agas generator 203, and the exhaust system 207 includes a pump 205 and afilter 229. The gas supply 201 is fluidly coupled to the inletpassageway 411 by a first supply line 209′, the distal end of which iscoupled to the first inlet connector 475. A second supply line 209″ iscoupled to the second inlet connector 477. The exhaust system 207 isfluidly coupled to the outlet passageway 413 via return line 225, thedistal end of which is coupled to the outlet connector 457.

In operation, the gas generator 203 generates sanitizing gas 219 (e.g.,ozone). The pump 202 (e.g. an air pump) generates an air flow thatcauses the sanitizing gas to be conveyed to the first supply line 209′,into the inlet passageway 411, and into the second supply line 209″. Thesanitizing gas 219 exits the distal end 213 of the second supply line209″ to sanitize the interior of the reservoir 250 and any liquidtherein, as described above in connection with FIG. 2. The pump 205(e.g., a vacuum pump) operates to draw excess sanitizing gas 219 fromthe interior of the reservoir 250 into a distal end 493 of the outletpassageway 413, through the outlet passageway 413, through outletconnector 457, and into return line 225. The excess sanitizing gas 219may then be conveyed to the filter 229, which may remove the excisesanitizing gas 219 or convert it to another composition. For examplewhere the sanitizing gas 219 is ozone, the filter 229 may be configuredto convert at least a portion of the ozone to oxygen.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to methods forsanitizing a reservoir, such but not limited to a reservoir of ahumidifier. In that regard reference is made to FIG. 7, which is a flowchart of example operations of one example of a reservoir sanitizationmethod consistent with the present disclosure. As shown, the method 700begins at block 701. The method may then advance to optional block 703,pursuant to which a connector unit consistent with the presentdisclosure may be installed in a portion of a reservoir (e.g., of ahumidifier). For example, operations pursuant to block 703 may includeinstalling a double wall connector unit or a self-drilling, double wallconnector unit consistent with the present disclosure into a wall,bottom, top, or lid of a reservoir, as previously described.

Following the operations of block 703 or if block 703 is omitted (e.g.where a connector unit has been previously installed), the method mayproceed to block 705. Pursuant to block 705 a sanitizing gas may beprovided into a reservoir via an inlet passageway of the connector unit,e.g., as described above. Thus for example, operations pursuant to block705 may include generating a sanitizing gas with a gas generator,causing the sanitizing gas to flow into a first supply line, into theinlet passageway, into a second supply line, and into the interior ofthe reservoir, as previously described. At least a portion of thesanitizing gas so provided may sanitize the interior of the reservoir,including any liquid (e.g., water therein).

The method may then advance to block 707, pursuant to which excesssanitizing gas may be removed from the interior of the reservoir.Consistent with the foregoing description, operations pursuant to block707 may include drawing sanitizing gas from the interior of thereservoir into a distal opening of the outlet passageway, through theoutlet passageway, through an outlet connector, and to a return line.The operations pursuant to block 707 may also include conveying thesanitizing gas to a filter, as discussed above.

Following the operations of block 707 the method may proceed to block709, pursuant to which a decision may be made as to whether the methodis to continue. The outcome of the decision block 709 may be contingenton a sensor signal provided, e.g., by an optional sensor 233 or on someother criteria. In any case if the method is to continue it may loopback to block 705. But if not, the method may proceed to block 711 andend.

The following examples pertain to additional non-limiting embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

EXAMPLE 1

According to this example there is provided system for sanitizing ahumidifier with a water reservoir including: a gas supply systemconfigured to supply a sanitizing gas; a connector unit including aninlet passageway and an outlet passageway, the inlet passagewayincluding a first proximal end and first distal end and the outletpassageway including a second proximal end and a second distal end; andan exhaust system configured to remove the sanitizing gas; wherein atleast a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around theinlet passageway; the gas supply system is configured to fluidly coupleto the inlet passageway and the exhaust system is configured to fluidlycouple to the outlet passageway; the connector unit is configured to beinstalled into and span a portion of a reservoir such that the first andsecond proximal ends are located outside the reservoir and the first andsecond distal ends are located inside the reservoir when the connectorunit is installed; and the gas supply system is configured to supply thesanitizing gas to an inside of the reservoir via the inlet passagewayand the exhaust system is configured to remove the sanitizing gas fromthe inside the reservoir via the outlet passageway.

EXAMPLE 2

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, andfurther includes: a first inlet connector coupled to the first proximalend; a second inlet connector coupled to the first distal end; a firstsupply line configured to fluidly couple the gas supply system to theinlet passageway via the first inlet connector; and a second supply lineconfigured to couple to the second inlet connector.

EXAMPLE 3

This example includes any or all of the features of example 2, whereinthe second supply line includes a proximal end configured to couple tothe second connector and a distal end configured to be disposed beneathany liquid in the reservoir.

EXAMPLE 4

This example includes any or all of the features of example 2, andfurther includes: an outlet connector configured to couple to the secondproximal end; and a return line configured to couple to the outletconnector so as to fluidly couple the exhaust system to the outletpassageway.

EXAMPLE 5

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, whereinthe second distal end is located proximal to the first distal end.

EXAMPLE 6

This example includes any or all of the features of example 2, whereinthe second inlet connector includes the first distal end, and the seconddistal end is located proximal to the first distal end.

EXAMPLE 7

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, whereinthe connector unit is a self-drilling connector unit.

EXAMPLE 8

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, wherein:the connector unit includes a second connector portion including a firstpassageway and a fourth connector portion configured to be inserted intothe first passageway; the fourth connector portion includes a first bodyand a flange, the first body including an outer surface; and the inletpassageway is formed through the first body.

EXAMPLE 9

This example includes any or all of the features of example 8, wherein:the second connector portion includes a second body including a wallhaving an inward facing surface that defines at least a portion of thefirst passageway; when the fourth connector portion is inserted into thefirst passageway, a gap is present between the outer surface of thefirst body and the inward facing surface of the wall of the second body;and the gap defines at least a portion of the outlet passageway.

EXAMPLE 10

This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, andfurther includes at least one standoff element extending from the outersurface of the first body, the at least one standoff element to maintainthe gap between the outer surface of the first body and inward facingsurface of the second body when the fourth connector portion is insertedin the first passageway.

EXAMPLE 11

This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, wherein:the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximalportion; the second connector portion includes an abutment surface at anedge of proximal portion of the wall of the second body; and anengagement surface of the flange is configured to abut the abutmentsurface of the second connector portion when the fourth connectorportion is inserted into the first passageway.

EXAMPLE 12

This example includes any or all of the features of example 11, wherein:the flange further includes a plug; and the connector unit furtherincludes at least one sealing element; when the fourth connector portionis inserted into the first passageway: the plug is disposed within aproximal end of the first passageway; and the at least one sealingelement is disposed between an inward facing surface of the proximalportion of the wall of the second body and at least a portion of theplug, so as to form a gas-tight seal between at least the plug and thesecond body.

EXAMPLE 13

This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, wherein:the first passageway includes a proximal opening and a distal opening;the second connector portion includes self-drilling elements disposedabout the distal opening; and the self-drilling elements are configuredto form a hole in a portion of the reservoir when the second connectorportion is rotated.

EXAMPLE 14

This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, wherein:the connector unit further includes a first connector portion that isconfigured to couple to a portion of the reservoir; the first connectorportion includes an opening; and the second connector portion isconfigured to be inserted into the opening of the first connectorportion.

EXAMPLE 15

This example includes any or all of the features of example 14, wherein:the first connector portion includes first guide elements within theopening; the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and aproximal portion; second guide elements are formed on an outside surfaceof the distal portion of the wall of the second body; and the secondguide elements and first guide elements are configured to draw thedistal portion of wall of the second body into the opening of the firstconnector portion.

EXAMPLE 16

This example includes any or all of the features of example 15, wherein:the first guide elements are first threads; and the second guideelements are second threads configured to threadably engage with thefirst threads to draw the second body into the opening of the firstconnector portion when the second connector portion is rotated about anaxis that is parallel to and extends through the first passageway.

EXAMPLE 17

This example includes any or all of the features of example 9, whereinthe wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximalportion, and at least one proximal hole is present through the proximalportion, the at least one proximal hole forming at least a portion ofthe outlet passageway.

EXAMPLE 18

This example includes any or all of the features of example 17, andfurther includes: a third connector portion including a collar definingan opening, the collar including a proximal edge, at least one spacerelement disposed within the opening, and at least one outlet opening;wherein: the collar is configured to be disposed over the proximalportion of the wall of the second body; when the collar is disposed overthe proximal portion of the wall of the second body, the at least onespacer element is disposed between an inward facing surface of thecollar and the outward facing surface of the proximal portion of thewall, such that a circumferential gap is present between the inwardfacing surface of the collar and the outward facing surface of theproximal portion of the wall, the circumferential gap fluidly couplingthe at least one proximal hole with the at least one outlet opening; thecircumferential gap and the outlet opening form at least a portion ofthe outlet passageway.

EXAMPLE 19

This example includes any or all of the features of example 18, wherein:the collar of the third connector portion includes a proximalcircumferential edge; and when the collar is disposed over the proximalportion of the wall of the second body and the fourth connector portionis inserted into the first passageway, at least a portion of the flangeof the fourth connector portion abuts the proximal circumferential edge.

EXAMPLE 20

This example includes any or all of the features of example 15, andfurther includes at least one locking element configured to be disposedon the outside surface of the distal portion of the wall of the secondbody, wherein the at least one locking element is configured to lock therelative position of the first connector portion and the secondconnector portion.

EXAMPLE 21

This example includes any or all of the features of example 20, whereinthe second connector portion includes a handle, and the at least onelocking element is between the handle and the first connector portion.

EXAMPLE 22

This example includes any or all of the features of example 20, wherein:the at least one locking element includes a first locking element and asecond locking element; the first locking element configured to bedisposed distally from the first connector portion; and the secondlocking element is configured to be disposed proximally from the firstconnector portion.

EXAMPLE 23

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, whereinthe sanitizing gas is ozone.

EXAMPLE 24

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, whereinthe gas supply system includes a sanitizing gas generator and an airpump, the air pump configured to generate an air flow for advancing theozone gas to the inlet passageway and into the reservoir.

EXAMPLE 25

This example includes any or all of the features of example 24, whereinthe sanitizing gas is ozone and the sanitizing gas generator is an ozonegenerator.

EXAMPLE 26

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, whereinthe exhaust system includes a vacuum pump and a filter, wherein thevacuum pump is configured to draw the sanitizing gas into the seconddistal end, through the outlet passageway, and to the filter.

EXAMPLE 27

This example includes any or all of the features of example 26, whereinthe sanitizing gas is ozone, and the filter is configured to convertozone to oxygen.

EXAMPLE 28

This example includes any or all of the features of example 27, whereinthe filter is a magnesium oxide filter, an activated carbon filter, or acombination thereof.

EXAMPLE 29

This example includes any or all of the features of example 1, andfurther includes a sanitizing gas system, the sanitizing gas systemincluding a housing, the gas supply system, and the exhaust system,wherein the gas supply system and the exhaust system are disposed withinthe housing.

EXAMPLE 30

According to this example there is provided a system for sanitizing ahumidifier, comprising: a gas supply including an ozone generator; anexhaust system; and a self-drilling connector unit configured totraverse a wall of a water reservoir of the humidifier; wherein: theself-drilling connector unit includes a first wall and a second wall;the first wall includes an inlet passageway to provide ozone gas to aninterior of the reservoir, the inlet passageway extending from aproximal end to a distal end of the self-drilling connector unit; theself-drilling connector unit further includes an outlet passagewaybetween the first wall and the second wall, the outlet passageway toremove ozone gas from the interior of the reservoir; a proximal end ofthe inlet passageway is fluidly coupled to the ozone generator; and aproximal end of the outlet passageway is fluidly coupled to the exhaustsystem.

EXAMPLE 31

This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, whereinat least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially aroundthe inlet passageway.

EXAMPLE 32

This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, andfurther includes self-drilling elements disposed on a distal edge of theoutlet passageway.

EXAMPLE 33

This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, andfurther includes first threads on an outside surface of the second wall.

EXAMPLE 34

This example includes any or all of the features of example 33, wherein:the connector unit further includes a flange configured to couple to thewall of the reservoir; the flange including an opening and secondthreads within the opening; and the second threads and first threads arethreadably coupled with one another such that at least a portion of thesecond wall is disposed within the opening of the flange.

EXAMPLE 35

This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, whereinthe exhaust system includes a pump for drawing ozone gas from theinterior of the reservoir through the outlet passageway and a filter forconverting ozone gas removed from the reservoir to oxygen.

EXAMPLE 36

This example includes any or all of the features of example 35 whereinthe filter is an activated carbon filter, a magnesium oxide filter, or acombination thereof.

EXAMPLE 37

This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, andfurther includes a sensor for sensing ozone gas in the water reservoir.

EXAMPLE 38

This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, andfurther includes a sensor for sensing contaminants in the waterreservoir.

EXAMPLE 39

This example includes any or all of the features of example 30, whereinthe proximal end of the inlet passageway is fluidly coupled to the ozonegenerator by a first inlet line and a distal end of the inlet passagewayis coupled to a second inlet line, and the system further includes acheck valve to prevent backflow of liquid in the reservoir into theconnector unit via the second inlet line.

EXAMPLE 40

According to this example there is provided a method of sanitizing awater reservoir of a humidifier, including: coupling a connector unit toa wall, lid, or bottom of the reservoir, the connector unit including aninlet passageway and an outlet passageway, the inlet passagewayincluding a first proximal end and first distal end and the outletpassageway including a second proximal end and a second distal end,wherein at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radiallyaround the inlet passageway, the first and second proximal ends aredisposed outside the reservoir, and the first and second distal ends aredisposed inside the reservoir; fluidly coupling the first proximal endto a gas supply; fluidly coupling the second proximal end to an exhaustsystem; generating a sanitizing gas with the gas supply; supplying thesanitizing gas to an interior of the reservoir via the inlet passageway;and removing, with the exhaust system, at least a portion of thesanitizing gas from the interior of the reservoir via the outletpassageway.

EXAMPLE 41

This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, whereinthe connector unit further includes a first inlet connector coupled tothe first proximal end and an outlet connector coupled to the secondproximal end; wherein: fluidly coupling the first proximal end includesfluidly coupling a first supply line to the first inlet connector and tothe gas supply; and fluidly coupling the second proximal end includesfluidly coupling a return line to the outlet connector and to theexhaust system.

EXAMPLE 42

This example includes any or all of the features of example 41, whereinthe connector unit further includes a second inlet connector coupled tothe first distal end, and the method further includes fluidly coupling asecond supply line to the second inlet connector.

EXAMPLE 43

This example includes any or all of the features of example 42, andfurther includes disposing a distal end of the second supply line belowa surface of any water in the reservoir.

EXAMPLE 44

This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, whereinthe second distal end is located proximal to the first distal end.

EXAMPLE 45

This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, whereinthe connector unit is a self-drilling connector unit.

EXAMPLE 46

This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, wherein:the connector unit includes a second connector portion including a firstpassageway and a fourth connector portion configured to be inserted intothe first passageway; the fourth connector portion includes a first bodyand a flange, the first body including an outer surface; and the inletpassageway is formed through the first body.

EXAMPLE 47

This example includes any or all of the features of example 46, wherein:the second connector portion includes a second body including a wallhaving an inward facing surface that defines at least a portion of thefirst passageway; wherein a gap is present between the outer surface ofthe first body and the inward facing surface of the wall of the secondbody; and the gap defines at least a portion of the outlet passageway.

EXAMPLE 48

This example includes any or all of the features of example 46, whereinthe connector unit further includes at least one standoff elementextending from the outer surface of the first body, the at least onestandoff element configured to maintain the gap between the outersurface of the first body and the inward facing surface of the secondbody.

EXAMPLE 49

This example includes any or all of the features of example 46, wherein:the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximalportion; the second connector portion includes an abutment surface at anedge of proximal portion of the wall of the second body; and anengagement surface of the flange abuts the abutment surface of thesecond connector portion.

EXAMPLE 50

This example includes any or all of the features of example 49, wherein:the flange further includes a plug; and the connector unit furtherincludes at least one sealing element; the plug is disposed within aproximal end of the first passageway; and the at least one sealingelement is disposed between an inward facing surface of the proximalportion of the wall of the second body and at least a portion of theplug and forms a gas-tight seal between at least the plug and the secondbody.

EXAMPLE 51

This example includes any or all of the features of example 47, wherein:the first passageway includes a proximal opening and a distal opening;the second connector portion includes self-drilling elements disposedabout the distal opening; and the self-drilling elements are configuredto form a hole in a portion of the reservoir when the second connectorportion is rotated.

EXAMPLE 52

This example includes any or all of the features of example 47, wherein:the connector unit further includes a first connector portion; the firstconnector portion includes an opening; and at least part of the secondconnector portion is disposed within the opening of the first connectorportion; wherein coupling the connector unit to the wall includescoupling the first connector portion to the wall.

EXAMPLE 53

This example includes any or all of the features of example 52, whereinthe first connector portion includes first guide elements within theopening; the wall of the second body includes a distal portion and aproximal portion; second guide elements are formed on an outside surfaceof the distal portion of the wall of the second body; and coupling theconnector unit to the wall of the reservoir includes drawing the distalportion of wall of the second body into the opening of the firstconnector portion via the first and second guide elements.

EXAMPLE 54

This example includes any or all of the features of example 53, wherein:the first guide elements are first threads; the second guide elementsare second threads; and coupling the connector unit to the wall includesthreadably engaging the second threads with the first threads androtating the second connector portion to draw the second body into theopening of the first connector portion.

EXAMPLE 55

This example includes any or all of the features of example 47, whereinthe wall of the second body includes a distal portion and a proximalportion, and at least one proximal hole is present through the proximalportion, the at least one proximal hole forming at least a portion ofthe outlet passageway.

EXAMPLE 56

This example includes any or all of the features of example 55, whereinthe connector unit further includes: a third connector portion includinga collar defining an opening, the collar including a proximal edge, atleast one spacer element disposed within the opening, and at least oneoutlet opening; wherein: the collar is disposed over the proximalportion of the wall of the second body with the at least one spacerelement disposed between an inward facing surface of the collar and theoutward facing surface of the proximal portion of the wall; acircumferential gap is present between the inward facing surface of thecollar and the outward facing surface of the proximal portion of thewall, the circumferential gap fluidly coupling the at least one proximalhole with the at least one outlet opening; and the circumferential gapand the outlet opening form at least a portion of the outlet passageway.

EXAMPLE 57

This example includes any or all of the features of example 56, wherein:the collar of the third connector portion includes a proximalcircumferential edge; and at least a portion of the flange of the fourthconnector portion abuts the proximal circumferential edge.

EXAMPLE 58

This example includes any or all of the features of example 48, wherein:the connector unit further includes at least one locking elementdisposed on the outside surface of the distal portion of the wall of thesecond body; and coupling the connector unit to the wall of thereservoir includes locking the relative position of the first connectorportion and the second connector portion with the at least one lockingelement.

EXAMPLE 59

This example includes any or all of the features of example 58, whereinthe second connector portion includes a handle and the at least onelocking element is between the handle and the first connector portion.

EXAMPLE 60

This example includes any or all of the features of example 58, wherein:the at least one locking element includes a first locking element and asecond locking element; the first locking element configured to bedisposed distally from the first connector portion; and the secondlocking element is configured to be disposed proximally from the firstconnector portion.

EXAMPLE 61

This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, whereinthe sanitizing gas is ozone.

EXAMPLE 62

This example includes any or all of the features of example 61, wherein:the gas supply system includes an ozone gas generator and an air pump;generating the sanitizing gas includes generating ozone gas with theozone gas generator; supplying the sanitizing gas to the interior of thereservoir includes generating an air flow with the air pump to cause theozone gas to advance through the inlet passageway into the interior ofthe reservoir.

EXAMPLE 63

This example includes any or all of the features of example 40, wherein:the exhaust system includes a vacuum pump and a filter; removing atleast a portion of the sanitizing gas includes drawing, with the vacuumpump, at least a portion of the sanitizing gas from the interior of thereservoir through the outlet passageway and to the filter.

EXAMPLE 64

This example includes any or all of the features of example 63, whereinthe sanitizing gas is ozone, and the method further includes convertingthe ozone to oxygen with the filter.

EXAMPLE 65

This example includes any or all of the features of example 64, whereinfilter is a magnesium oxide filter, an activated carbon filter, or acombination thereof.

The technologies described herein may also be configured to provide aneasy to install entry port into a reservoir of a humidifier. Forexample, a connector unit consistent with the present disclosure may beembedded in an ozone device. The ozone device may be configured toautomatically insert the connector unit into a portion (e.g., sidewall)of the reservoir of a humidifier in response to a user input. Connectorunits consistent with the present disclosure may also be manually orautomatically inserted into a wall or other portion of a reservoir, witha saddle shaped valve or other similar valve that includes openings orotherwise configured to provide additional ports and/or connectors thatenable the placement of one or more distribution lines into thereservoir. While the above described FIGS. depict certain configurationsof connector units that may be used, any suitable connector unit havingan entry channel for a sanitizing gas and an exit channel for thesanitizing gas may be used.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used asterms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention,in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalentsof the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it isrecognized that various modifications are possible within the scope ofthe claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all suchequivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have beendescribed herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptibleto combination with one another as well as to variation andmodification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art.The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompasssuch combinations, variations, and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for sanitizing a humidifier, comprising:a reservoir comprising a bottom, at least one sidewall, and a cover; aconnector unit comprising body member, an inlet passageway in the bodymember, and an outlet passageway in the body member, the inletpassageway comprising a first proximal end and first distal end and theoutlet passageway comprising a second proximal end and a second distalend; wherein: the outlet passageway is laterally offset from the inletpassageway; the connector unit extends through the bottom, the at leastone sidewall, or the cover, such that the first and second proximal endsare located outside the reservoir and the first and second distal endsare located inside the reservoir; the inlet passageway is configured tofluidly couple a gas supply system to an interior of the reservoir; andthe outlet passageway is configured to fluidly couple the interior ofthe reservoir to an exhaust system.
 2. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first inlet connector coupled to the first proximal end; asecond inlet connector coupled to the first distal end; a first supplyline configured to fluidly couple the gas supply system to the inletpassageway via the first inlet connector; and a second supply lineconfigured to couple to the second inlet connector.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the second supply line comprises a proximal endconfigured to couple to the second connector and a distal end configuredto be disposed beneath any liquid in the reservoir.
 4. The system ofclaim 2, further comprising: an outlet connector; and a return lineconfigured to fluidly couple the outlet passageway to the exhaust systemvia the outlet connector.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the outletconnector comprises the second proximal end, and the second distal endis not coupled to a connector.
 6. The system of claim 2, wherein thesecond inlet connector comprises said first distal end, and the seconddistal end is located proximal to the first distal end.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising said sanitizing gas system, wherein saidsanitizing gas system is fluidly coupled to said inlet passageway and isconfigured to provide a sanitizing gas.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein said sanitizing gas is ozone.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinthe gas supply system comprises a sanitizing gas generator and an airpump, the air pump configured to generate an air flow for advancing saidozone gas to the inlet passageway and into the reservoir.
 10. The systemof claim 9, wherein the sanitizing gas generator is an ozone generator.11. The system of claim 7, further comprising said exhaust system,wherein: the exhaust system is coupled to said outlet passageway viasaid second proximal end; and the exhaust system comprises a vacuum pumpand a filter, the vacuum pump configured to draw the sanitizing gas intothe second distal end, through the outlet passageway, and to saidfilter.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sanitizing gas is ozone,and said filter is configured to convert ozone to oxygen.
 13. The systemof claim 11, wherein said filter is a magnesium oxide filter, anactivated carbon filter, or a combination thereof.
 14. The system ofclaim 11, further comprising a sanitizing gas system, the sanitizing gassystem comprising a housing, said gas supply system, and said exhaustsystem, wherein said gas supply system and said exhaust system aredisposed within said housing.